Coal and Nat Gas will be needed for the foreseeable future. Unless Green Energy nutjobs want to freeze to death in the winter.
France as an example is ~80% nuclear-generated electricity. And, ~20% coal/nat gas power. Why? Because nuclear power plants are a constant output source. The coal/nat gas is needed to meet demand surges.
>>The coal/nat gas is needed to meet demand surges.<<
Fauci would say:”Flatten the demand curve”.
From Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_power_in_France
Crisis since late 2021 After scheduled maintenance during the summer of 2021, some power plants were not back in service in late 2021. In October, Stress corrosion cracking at Civaux Nuclear Power Plant led to the decision to shut down both blocks for long term repair.[47] In December 2021, this was extended to both blocks of Chooz Nuclear Power Plant, as all four plants use the same type of reactor, N4, the most modern in operation, with grid connection in the late 1990s, commercial operation since early 2000s. By end of April 2022 it was reported that 28 of France’s 56 nuclear reactors were offline.[48] French nuclear energy production has fallen to the lowest level since 1993 and it is expected to fall short by at least 25% compared to usual production levels in the winter of 2022/2023.[49] As of February 2022, EDF expected 2022 production to be 295–315 TWh, and 300–330 TWh for 2023.[50] On 19 May 2022, EDF adjusted its French nuclear output estimate for 2022 between 280 and 300 TWh,[51] and with the expectation of checks and repairs to be completed, the 2023 French nuclear output estimate was not changed (300–330 TWh). Considering the overall control and repair program, nuclear generation for 2024 may be impacted.[47] On 21 February 2022, S&P Global Ratings and Moody's downgraded the credit rating of EDF citing the technical issues at its nuclear power plants.[52] In July 2022 the French government announced its plans to fully nationalize EDF.[53] As of early September 2022, 32 of France's 56 nuclear reactors were shut down due to maintenance or technical problems.[54][55] In 2022, Europe's driest summer in 500 years had serious consequences for power plant cooling systems, as the drought reduced the amount of river water available for cooling.[56][57]
BABY ITS GONNA GET COLD INSIDE!
Nuclear power was introduced in large quantities in France following the 1973 oil crisis according to the Messmer plan. This was based on projections that large amounts of electric power would be required. In the end too much nuclear power capacity was installed, and this has led to relatively low production, load following, and high electricity exports.[7] France exported 38 TWh of electricity to its neighbours in 2017.[8] However, the country still becomes a net importer of electricity when demand exceeds supply, such as in cases of very inclement weather, like in February 2012 when "Germany powers France in cold despite nuclear u-turn" as "France heavily relies on electric heating", which "means that during cold snaps, French electricity demand goes through the roof, forcing the country to import"
They are setting up to be in some serious do do...